Book Beat Babes

Friday, October 30, 2015

So according to one source, the major forms of literary
fiction tend to fall into one of three overall categories:

Poetry

Prose

Drama

Other sources set the overall umbrella a little differently
to include:

Drama

Graphic Novel

(Narrative) Poem/song

Myth

Novel

Novella

Short Story

Some lists include novel, novella and short story as a
subset of Prose.Another list also
includes Flash Fiction, Novelette and Epic as subsets of prose in addition to
the previous three.So, what is a writer
to take away from all of this?Well, I
think if you ask more than one person you’ll probably get more than one
answer.Just try searching via your
favorite search engine to see the results that your search yields.I’ll even wager that if you use different search
engines you’ll get a wider and varying range of answers.

I think a compelling reason for defining form in the first
place stems from when books were primarily available in print.Think about it – print costs determined not
only how much to charge for a book but was also done in an effort to manage reader
expectations.With eBooks it’s still an
issue of managing reader expectations because if a reader knows that they’re
starting a novella, which is typically defined as 17,500 to 50,000 words or
60-170 pages, they expect a different reading experience than say a novel which
is over 50,000 words and typically ranges from 170 pages on up.An epic work is over 680 pages!

I would also argue that longer books still tend to be priced higher even when they are in electronic format because they tend to have higher investment costs even if they aren't actually printed on paper.

Of course, with printed books the reader can see immediately
how “big” or “small” the book is whereas with eBooks you do have to pay
attention to the specifications listed for the book, typically at an online
vendor's site.

The above lends some
insight into the concept of anthologies to house the smaller count work as well as the creation of category fiction such as romance and certain mysteries.So, got form? And, if so, do you know where
and how you fit in?

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Thursday is my day off. Thursday is my day to blog. Thursday is my day to run errands. And Thursday is my day to take my grandson to his horse riding lessons. I usually end each Thursday with one of two things: a church meeting or going to the local tavern for their Thursday night chicken special.

Today, I added one more thing. I had a writers workshop for a group of 5th and 6th graders at their school. The 9:00 a.m. schedule had me fearing I'd over sleep. But I made it in plenty of time. I never know what I'm walking into with a classroom setting. Some kids are genuinely excited to see me, others think it will be boring and their faces convey that to me. I hope I didn't disappoint anyone, especially the doubting ones.

I learned something new today. The 5th and 6th grade kids were not familiar with Harry Potter. I usually use this story to break down plot, characters, setting, etc. When we started this section of the workshop, blank looks filled the students' faces. They didn't know Harry's closest friends. They didn't know the bad guys. I was surprised. As a children's librarian I shouldn't have been so shocked. Harry has not left the shelves for a while now.

I needed a new connection with the kids. The class teacher, Lori Safranek, explained they were in the middle of reading the book, Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. Thankfully I have read Wonder.

We proceeded with Wonder, the story of Augie, a fifth grader who has physical deformities. He goes to school for the first time in his life. Every day he encounters many things, rudeness being one of the nicer things that happens to him. But Augie won't give up. He wants a normal life like a normal ten year old boy.

This book turned out to be a great example for breaking down plot, learning what it takes to make a character real, etc. The kids got involved and that's what counted.

After my workshop, it was time for Colton's horse lessons. Then back home to playing with Thomas the Train and watching Planes. After my grandson's visit, I was ready for a nap. It's cold and dreary out, and did I mention I have a bum foot these days? I should prop it up. I also have judging to do for the Four Season Writers Contest. Judging is due next week and I'm far from done. My church meeting begins in seventy minutes.

I've realized Thursday is my busiest day of the week. I always think I will catch up on my writing, get the laundry done and maybe some cleaning. Okay, no cleaning ... but the day flies by in blur. My list of Things To Do never enters my mind.

I've decided my priorities need re-arranging for Thursdays. From this day forward, I declare Thursday, my day to do what I want! I intend to scratch my expectations of doing laundry on Thursdays. Cleaning has already been booted off the list, and my writing may suffer neglect on Thursdays, but that's okay too. I will try my best to blog each Thursday, but if you do not see my post, know that I am out living my life, doing things I need and want to do. Like horse back riding lessons, playing with Thomas the Train and watching Planes.

Friday, October 23, 2015

We are encouraged to know many things about ourselves based
on categories and numbers.Medical
professionals want us to know our weight, cholesterol levels, blood pressure
and family medical histories; financial experts what us to know how much we
need to save for retirement, our credit history and credit score.But, ask writers how to classify their work
according to genre and you will be surprised at how difficult this question is
to answer.There’s also the question of
form but we’ll get to that another time.

So, how many writing genres are there?Well, it seems like new ones are being
created every year, something I attribute to skilled marketing practices and
techniques to sell books.Although,
whether you are selling your work online or via a traditional bookstore, categorizing
by genre is important to the seller in terms of knowing where to “shelve” your
work.

Many, many years ago, most people knew that genres such as
mysteries, romances, satires, and drama existed and later on science fiction,
but these broad categories didn’t always lend themselves to helping readers
discover authors that didn’t quite fit so neatly into these classifications, or dared to cross lines and blend two or more genres together.

I remember back in the last century (okay it was in the 1990’s)
recommending reading material from the romance genre to someone and that person
looked aghast that I would even suggest such a thing, declaring that she only
read literary fiction.I asked if she
had read any of Jane Austen’s work and she replied that of course she did, it was
literary fiction after all - AND it was required reading when she was in school!It’s also romance.

How many of us of a certain age remember the first time we
read Kathleen Woodiwiss’s The Flame and the
Flower?For those of you who haven’t,
it was a ground-breaking book in the publishing world for many reasons and not
just because of its titillating content.

The romance novel as a genre has a longer history in the UK
but around the 1980’s this genre boomed in the US and the idea of category
romance novels and romance sub-genres took off.The rest, as they say, is history.

Think you know your genre inside and out?Think again.How many of us remember the classification wars of Romantica vs.
Erotica?

You can also click on the links to the different genres and
explore those definitions and examples.I think you’ll find it fascinating and you might just discover a thing
or two about your writing genre – or sub-genre - that you didn’t know.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Although I don't have a new book out, I was invited to the Oswego Literary Festival at the Oswego Library on October 3rd. I debated whether I should go or not. I've nothing new or exciting to add to my collection of books, but I went anyway ... to keep my name and face in view of the public.

Pictured with me is Luisa Buehler, a cozy mystery writer. I met Luisa many years ago at a Windy City RWA meeting. Luisa has sold a lot of books over the years. She is well known in the Chicago area and beyond! We had a great time chatting and I'm always glad to sit by someone so knowledgeable about the writing field. Check out Luisa's home page and her Grace Marsden Mystery Series at: http://luisabuehler.com/

On the right, is NY Best Selling Author Denise Swanson. Visit Denise at: http://www.deniseswanson.com/ These gals are active members of the Windy City RWA as well. And it was great to see their smiling faces throughout the day.

As a librarian, I know attending Literary Festivals is great publicity for an author, but not the best in making sales. And that's okay. A festival gives readers an idea of the many talented authors in their area. Plus readers have the chance to discover new writers they may not have noticed before. They have the opportunity to chat with authors and better understand the hard work that goes into being a writer.

I'm glad I took the time to attend the festival. A BIG thank you to the Oswego Public Library and to the Village of Oswego Cultural Arts Commission for hosting the event.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Last night I brought the first page of my thriller, with the working title of Wide Awake, to be critiqued by my RWA Chapter, and I'm glad I did. It's amazing how everything that seemed so clear to me confused the other members.

Fortunately, I now know what to do to remedy the problem. Goes to show, it really helps to get fresh eyes looking over a manuscript.

I suggest you find at least a few people who are willing to start you out in the right direction, even if they don't have the time to read your entire manuscript. It will make all the difference!

Saturday, October 10, 2015

I just returned from visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and I thought I'd share a few pictures with you. It is reputed to be the largest 'house' in the country with 255 rooms. The place is worth a visit, or two, or three...I'm heading back in November for their Christmas celebrations.